American Idol Auditions Kick Off In Nashville

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Can you believe it’s already time to prove your singing prowess to the American Idol judges? Thousands of Idol hopefuls flocked to Nashville to audition for the show’s 10th season. How come the crowds are bigger than ever this season? Read on to find out more.

[pullquote quote=”Lowering the age limit allows us to tap into this talent pool.” credit=”Idol Executive Producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz on changing the age requirements for season 10 of American Idol”]

According to the Associated Press, around 10,000 people lined up on Thursday just to get the wristbands that will allow them to audition on July 17.

One reason why the crowds may be bigger? [lastfm]American Idol[/lastfm] producers lowered the eligibility age from 16 to 15 for the upcoming season.

“A lot of young, talented people are now seeking careers and representation before they turn 16,” Idol Executive Producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz said when the change was announced last June. “Lowering the age limit allows us to tap into this talent pool.”

[lastfm]American Idol[/lastfm] still has a big hole to fill on the judges panel. Auditions will go on without a fourth judge and there’s no word yet on who producers want to hire for [lastfm]Simon Cowell’s[/lastfm] old spot.

After finishing up in Nashville, Idol auditions will continue in Milwaukee, New Orleans, Austin, East Rutherford, and San Francisco.

Are you excited for the next season of [lastfm]American Idol[/lastfm] or is it past its prime? Who do you want to be the new judge? Let us know what you think in the comments! And in the meantime, check out the show’s latest winner, [lastfm]Lee DeWyze[/lastfm], on the Idol Live! tour.